“That’s not racial,” the D.C. councilman continued. “There’s a cultural difference between a number of ethnic groups. Whether it’s Hispanics, or whether it’s Asian, or white people. There is a cultural difference, because of our socialization, because of segregation, discrimination, all of this adds to it and affects every aspect of our life.”

Pressed by the reporter on why he had referred to Asian restaurants specifically, Barry said, “Because the fact is that 95 percent of the [carry-outs] in Ward 8 are owned and managed by Asians,” and refused to comment any further.

Barry touched off an uproar recently when he said, “We got to do something about these Asians coming in and opening up businesses and dirty shops.” The ex-mayor said these stores “ought to go” and that they should be replaced by African-American businesses.